Fastracking the implementation of biofuel program: Blending Ethanol with Diesel
After the success of green and white revolutions leading to self-sufficiency in food grains and milk production, the government is now looking at 'Krishna Kranti' (black revolution) to not only help India become self-sufficient in oil production but also provide a healthy environment to the people.
Biodiesel can be produced from edible and non-edible oils (Jatropa curcas, mahua, karanjia, sunflower seeds and rapeseeds as a viable alternative to the conventional energy) through trans-esterification using ethanol or methanol. The properties of biodiesel are close to that of diesel fuel and in fact, it offers advantages in terms of emission control from diesel engines. In India the current assessments are based on non-edible oils for biodiesel production. This green fuel has high octane and lubricity and readily mixes with diesel without any engine modification. And automobile manufacturers like Mahindra and Mahindra and Ashok Leyland have endorsed biodiesel as a fuel for their vehicles. Moreover, the petroleum ministry has signed a MoU with the Indian Railways for encouraging plantation of Jatropa in 500-hectare area along the railway tracts.
Source: The minister of state for petroleum and natural gas, Mr Dharmendra Pradhan informed the Rajya Sabha on July 31, 2015.
